Nation-Building to Global Leadership: A Corpus-Based Study of Dr. Mahathir Rhetoric

Abstract

The study talks about Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s rhetorical strategies and verbal choices in his speeches and interviews. It throws lights on his professional career and political affiliation that transform effectiveness in his language. This study employed a mixed method by analyze a corpus of Mahathir’s speeches and interview both statistically and qualitatively. It draws a general understanding and assumption of his unique rhetorical choices which he exhibited in his political and social converse. It shows that a politician use an artistic and skillful language in communication to attain major support, address serious issue and make impactful discussion. This study highlights the importance of rhetorical strategy and communication skills and also provide a new outlook for the analysis of public speaking and discussion.

Key words: Rhetoric, Communication, Sketch Engine, Framing Analysis, Discourse Studies